
Natsuko Yoshimoto (Violin) © Andrew Rankin

Artistic Director Jack Liebeck

Goldner String Quartet © Keith Saunders

Panorama of Townsville

Paul Dean (Clarinet and Conductor)

Deborah Cheetham AO (Soprano) © Kristina Kingston

Daniel Grimwood (Piano) © Manuel Mauer (www.fotografie-mauer.de)

Jamal Aliyev (Cello) © Kaupo Kikkas

Elizabeth Layton (Violin)

Emmanuel Cassimatis (Oboe)

Alice Giles (Harp)

Australian Festival of Chamber Music © Andrew Rankin
Australian Festival of Chamber Music
Attend the annual internationally-acclaimed Australian Festival of Chamber Music in picturesque Townsville, featuring some of the finest international and Australian musicians.
In the company of music specialist Phillip Sametz, be exhilarated by the festive atmosphere of the North Queensland city during one of Australia’s major performing arts celebrations, under the direction of new Artistic Director, British-German violin virtuoso Jack Liebeck.
Attend performances over the first four days of the Festival, including the exciting Opening Night Concert, and benefit from private daily talks and analysis of the program.
Enjoy superior accommodation in a waterfront resort-style hotel as you soak up the tropical warmth of ‘winter’ in North Queensland.
Arrive in Townsville on suggested Qantas flights and make your own way to the hotel.
Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements including a private transfer to the hotel, accommodation before or after the tour and a room category upgrade.
At 5pm, join Phillip and fellow travellers for a welcome briefing, followed by an early light dinner at the hotel.
Transfer to the Townsville Civic Theatre for the Opening Night Concert entitled New Beginnings, featuring the Festival artists performing music that signifies New Beginnings and all things natural.
ARTISTS
Deborah Cheetham AO (soprano), Goldner String Quartet, Elizabeth Layton (violin), Natsuko Yoshimoto (violin), Trish Dean (cello), Paul Dean (clarinet), Daniel de Borah (piano), Jack Liebeck (violin), Corey Cerovsek (violin), Simon Oswell (viola), Charlotte Bonneton (viola), Elina Faskhi (cello), Julian Smiles (cello), Lotte Betts-Dean (soprano), Kristian Chong (piano), Alison Mitchell (flute), Emmanuel Cassimatis (oboe), David Mitchell (bassoon), Peter Luff (French horn), Brigid Coleridge (violin), Jamal Aliyev (cello), Phoebe Russell (double bass), Daniel Grimwood (piano), Jacob Enoka (percussion)
PROGRAM
Deborah Cheetham AO – Nginda Ngarrini Bi Ngya (world premiere)
Darius Milhaud – La Creation du Monde for Ensemble Op.81
W.A. Mozart – Grande Sestetto Concertante for String Sextet K.364
Cole Porter – Begin the Beguine
Frank Loesser – The Inchworm
Luciano Berio – Opus Number Zoo
Peteris Vasks – String Quartet No.3
Camille Saint-Saëns – Le Carnaval des animaux for Ensemble
(D)
After breakfast, join Phillip for a pre-performance talk, followed by the first of the Concert Conversations series. Delight in a panel discussion hosted by Artistic Director Jack Liebeck and Damien Beaumont interviewing Lotte Betts-Dean, Emmanuel Cassimatis, Alice Giles and Paul Dean, followed by a performance of the works discussed.
ARTISTS
Lotte Betts-Dean (soprano), Alice Giles (harp), Emmanuel Cassimatis (oboe), Trish Dean (cello), Paul Dean (clarinet)
PROGRAM
Manuel de Falla – Siete canciones populares españolas for Voice and Piano
Paul Dean – Lockdown Miniatures
Debussy – Prelude for Piano from Book 1 (The Girl with the Flaxen Hair)
Paul Dean – Suite for Clarinet and Cello
After the performance, enjoy a short walking tour of the Townsville city centre. Explore the beachfront promenade of the Strand, taking in Anzac Park and the Queens Gardens, followed by a visit to the Jezzine Barracks and Kissing Point Fortification.
Enjoy some free time at the hotel before returning to the Townsville Civic Theatre in the late afternoon for the first concert in the Sunset Series entitled Einstein’s Music, in reference to Albert Einstein, a keen amateur violinist and lover of the music of Bach and Mozart, followed by Paul Dean’s powerful concerto.
ARTISTS
Jack Liebeck (violin), Daniel Grimwood (piano), Brigid Coleridge (violin), Corey Cerovsek (violin), Kristian Chong (piano), Jamal Aliyev (cello), Natsuko Yoshimoto (violin), Elizabeth Layton (violin), Charlotte Bonneton (viola), Simon Oswell (viola), Elina Faskhi (cello), Trish Dean (cello), Phoebe Russell (double bass), Alison Mitchell (flute), Emmanuel Cassimatis (oboe), Lloyd Van’t Hoff (clarinet), David Mitchell (bassoon), Peter Luff (French horn), Daniel de Borah (piano), Alice Giles (harp), Jacob Enoka (percussion), Paul Dean (conductor)
PROGRAM
Mozart – Sonata in E Minor for Violin and Piano K.304
Bach – Sonata in G Minor for Violin BMV 1001
Bohuslav Martinů – Five Madrigal Stanzas H.297
Ernest Bloch – From Jewish Life, Prayer
Paul Dean – A Brief History
Then enjoy a private dinner at the Townsville Civic Theatre before the Governor’s Gala concert entitled A Joyful Fantasy, including six Fantasies and a special commission featuring 25 variations on Ode to Joy, specially chosen by the Goldner String Quartet to celebrate their 25th anniversary.
ARTISTS
Peter Luff (French horn), Emmanuel Cassimatis (oboe), Brigid Coleridge (violin), Simon Oswell (viola), Jamal Aliyev (cello), Lotte Betts-Dean (soprano), Daniel de Borah (piano), Alison Mitchell (flute), Daniel Grimwood (piano), David Mitchell (bassoon), Jacob Enoka (percussion), Jack Liebeck (violin), Alice Giles (harp), Goldner String Quartet
PROGRAM
Malcolm Arnold – Fantasy for Horn Op.88
Benjamin Britten – Phantasy Quartet for Oboe, Violin, Viola and Cello Op.2
Viktor Ullmann – Hölderlin Lieder – 1. Abendphantasie
Franz Doppler – Hungarian Pastorale Fantasy Op.26
Verne Reynolds – Fantasy Etudes for Bassoon and Percussion
Camille Saint-Saëns – Fantasie in A-flat Major for Violin and Harp Op.124
Various – Goldner Variations on ‘Ode to Joy’ (world premiere)
(BD)
After breakfast, attend a pre-performance talk by Phillip. Then, transfer to St James’ Cathedral for the Sublime Sunday concert, including pieces by Debussy, Chopin and Fauré.
ARTISTS
Alison Mitchell (flute), Charlotte Bonneton (viola), Alice Giles (harp), Elizabeth Layton (violin), Kristian Chong (piano), Corey Cerovsek (violin), Julian Smiles (cello), Daniel Grimwood (piano), Natsuko Yoshimoto (violin), Brigid Coleridge (violin), Trish Dean (cello), Daniel de Borah (piano)
PROGRAM
Debussy – Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp
Chopin – Nocturne in C-sharp Minor Op.27 No.1
Rebecca Clarke – Piano Trio
Gabriel Fauré – Morceau de Concours
Pablo de Sarasate – Introduction and Tarantella Op.43
Cesar Franck – Quintet in F Minor for Piano, Two Violins, Viola, and Cello
Enjoy some time at leisure in the afternoon before a special dinner and an evening performance at The Ville Resort. The concert, entitled The ‘22s, includes the world premiere of composer-in-residence Paul Dean’s specially written Chamber Symphony.
ARTISTS
Emmanuel Cassimatis (oboe), Dene Olding AM (violin), Dimity Hall (violin), Irina Morozova (viola), Julian Smiles (cello), Phoebe Russell (double bass), Corey Cerovsek (violin), Jack Liebeck (violin), Charlotte Bonneton (viola), Jamal Aliyev (cello), Daniel Grimwood (piano), Lotte Betts-Dean (soprano), Alison Mitchell (flute), Brigid Coleridge (violin), Simon Oswell (viola), Trish Dean (cello), David Mitchell (bassoon), Lloyd van’t Hoff (clarinet), Peter Luff (French horn), Alice Giles (harp), Jacob Enoka (percussion), Paul Dean (conductor)
PROGRAM
Tomasa Albinoni – Concerto in D Minor for Oboe, Strings and Continuo Op.9 No.2
Felix Mendelssohn – Quartet in C Minor for Piano, Violin, Viola and Cello Op.1
Peter Warlock – The Curlew for Tenor, Flute, English Horn and Strings
Paul Dean – Concerto for Chamber Orchestra (world premiere)
(BD)
After a pre-performance talk by Phillip, enjoy a panel discussion in the Concert Conversations series led by Jack Liebeck and Damien Beaumont, including musicians Phoebe Russell, Alison Mitchell, Daniel de Borah, Trish Dean and Natsuko Yoshimoto, followed by a performance.
ARTISTS
Paul Dean (clarinet), Natsuko Yoshimoto (violin), Trish Dean (cello), Peter Luff (French horn), Daniel de Borah (piano), Phoebe Russell (double bass), Alison Mitchell (flute)
PROGRAM
Acker Bilk – Stranger on the Shore
Franz Schreker – Der Wind
Leonard Cohen – Hallelujah
Osvaldo Golijov – Lullaby and Doina
Maurice Ravel – Habanera
Percy Grainger – Irish Tune from County Derry
Enjoy a free afternoon to relax or explore Townsville at your own pace before returning to the Townsville Civic Theatre in the early evening for the second concert in the Sunset Series followed by the main evening performance.
ARTISTS
Natsuko Yoshimoto (violin), Corey Cerovsek (violin), Charlotte Bonneton (viola), Trish Dean (cello), Phoebe Russell (double bass), Alison Mitchell (flute), Emmanuel Cassimatis (oboe), Paul Dean (clarinet), David Mitchell (bassoon), Peter Luff (French horn), Jacob Enoka (piano), Elizabeth Layton (violin), Corey Cerovsek (violin), Simon Oswell (viola), Elina Faskhi (cello), Alice Giles (harp), Jack Liebeck (violin), Daniel de Borah (piano), Jamal Aliyev (cello), Daniel Grimwood (piano)
PROGRAM
Jean Sibelius – Pelléas and Mélisande: The Death of Mélisande
Arnold Bax – In Memoriam
Paul Dean – Blue Ginger
Paul Williams – Elegy
Bedřich Smetana – Trio in G Minor for Piano, Violin and Cello Op.15
Enjoy a private dinner at the Townsville Civic Theatre during the interval between the performances, followed by the final full-length performance, entitled Entente Cordiale.
ARTISTS
Dene Olding AM (violin), Dimity Hall (violin), Elizabeth Layton (violin), Brigid Coleridge (violin), Natsuko Yoshimoto (violin), Irina Morozova (viola), Simon Oswell (viola), Charlotte Bonneton (viola), Julian Smiles (cello), Jamal Aliyev (cello), Elina Faskhi (cello), Phoebe Russell (double bass), Jack Liebeck (violin), Elizabeth Layton (violin), Kristian Chong (piano), Alice Giles (harp), Corey Cerovsek (violin), Goldner String Quartet
PROGRAM
Edward Elgar – Introduction and Allegro Op.47
Adela Maddison – Piano Quintet
Claude Debussy – Danse sacrée et Danse profane for Harp, Two Violins, Viola, Cello and Bass
Maurice Ravel – Quartet in F Major for Strings
At the conclusion of the concert, return to the hotel for a farewell drinks reception with Phillip and fellow travellers.
(BDR)
Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including any additional nights’ accommodation either before or after the tour, a room category upgrade and travel insurance (strongly recommended).
(B)
Per person, twin-share
AUD 4,250
Single supplement
AUD 500
Deposit per person (at time of booking)
AUD 2,000
Final payment due
27 May 2022
Room category upgrade available on request; please enquire with us.
Tour code
SB2214
Fitness level
Moderate
Please see Terms & Conditions for fitness levels definitions.
Suggested airline
Qantas
Please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for current airfares and flight reservations.
Visa
New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa to visit Australia.
Tour price includes
- Accommodation in a four-star superior resort-style hotel with breakfast daily (B)
- Gold Member subscriber (Category 1) seats for performances of the Australian Festival of Chamber Music as per itinerary
- Meals as per itinerary (L = Lunch, D = Dinner, R = Reception), including wine with meals
- Private pre-performance talks with your tour leader, music specialist Phillip Sametz
- Transportation on private, comfortable air-conditioned coaches
- Sightseeing, including local guides and entrance fees as per itinerary
- Gratuities for local guides, drivers and wait staff
- Hotel porterage (one piece per person)
Tour price does not include
- Airfares (please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)
- Airport/hotel transfers on arrival and departure (please contact Renaissance Tours for assistance)
- Airport porterage
- Items of a personal nature, including telephone, laundry, room service, etc.
- Travel insurance (highly recommended; please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)
Your hotel
The Ville Resort ****+
The Ville is Townsville’s iconic luxury resort and entertainment destination and hosts many of the performances of the Australian Festival of Chamber Music. The hotel boasts a superior waterfront location and rooms of superior comfort with views of Magnetic Island or the iconic Castle Hill. The hotel features three restaurants, as well as a vibrant bar overlooking the Coral Sea.
N.B. Hotel of a similar standard may be substituted.
Since its inception in 1990, the Australian Festival of Chamber Music has been the largest festival dedicated to chamber music in the southern hemisphere. The Festival was founded by Professor Ray Golding, former Vice-Chancellor of James Cook University, and Theodore Kuchar, who continued as the Festival’s first artistic director. From 2007-2017, renowned Australian pianist Piers Lane AO acted as Artistic Director and widened the repertoire of the Festival to appeal to a broader audience, followed by pianist Kathryn Stott from 2017-2021. The 2022 program has been meticulously crafted by new Artistic Director Jack Liebeck.

Artistic Director Jack Liebeck